Arboriculture is the study, cultivation, and management of individual trees, shrubs, and other perennial woody plants. While forestry deals with managing entire forest ecosystems for timber or conservation, arboriculture is more like personalized healthcare for the trees in your landscape. As certified arborists, we focus on the physiological health and structural safety of each specific tree. We use scientific methods to ensure that trees in urban environments thrive alongside buildings, roads, and people.
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is a detailed report typically required during the planning stages of a development or renovation project. It evaluates how proposed construction—like an extension, a new driveway, or a fence—might affect nearby trees. The assessment identifies which trees are high quality and should be retained, and it outlines a “Tree Protection Plan” to prevent damage to the roots and canopy during the building process.
The cost of an AIA can vary significantly based on the number of trees on the site and the complexity of the proposed development. For a standard residential property with a handful of trees, you might expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500. For larger commercial sites or properties with hundreds of trees, the cost can increase into the several thousands. The investment is often much lower than the potential fines or the high cost of removing a large, mature tree that died because its roots were crushed during construction.
Arborist reports might seem technical at first, but they follow a logical structure. Start with the “Tree Schedule” or inventory, which gives each tree a number and a “Retention Category” (usually A, B, C, or U). Category A trees are the highest priority for saving, while Category U trees are in such poor condition they should likely be removed regardless of construction. Focus on the “Recommendations” section, which will detail specific actions like “Root Pruning” or installing “Geotextile” protection to keep the soil from becoming compacted.
Your trees will often tell you they are struggling before a branch actually falls. Keep an eye out for these six red flags:
Dieback: Leaves falling off or branches dying at the very top of the canopy first.
Early Autumn Colors: If your tree turns orange or red in mid-August, it is likely stressed by heat or root issues.
Fungal Growth: Mushrooms or shelf-like fungi growing on the trunk usually indicate internal wood rot.
Leaf Size: If new leaves are much smaller or thinner than they were in previous years.
Epicormic Shoots: Small, weak branches growing directly out of the main trunk rather than the existing limbs.
Trunk Cracks: Deep, vertical splits in the bark that go into the wood, which can compromise the tree’s strength.
A tree becomes a “hazard” when it has a significant structural defect and a “target” it could hit, such as your house or a neighbor’s car. We look for “Hazard Trees” that have large dead limbs, known as “widow makers,” or trees with a severe lean where the soil is beginning to lift on the opposite side. If more than one-third of the trunk is hollow or showing signs of advanced decay, we generally recommend removal. We always aim to save trees through “Cabling” or “Structural Pruning” whenever safety allows.
The “Dormant Season,” which is late winter or very early spring, is widely considered the best time for pruning. Because the tree is asleep, it experiences less stress and is less likely to attract pests or diseases like Oak Wilt. However, dead or broken branches can and should be removed at any time of year for safety. If you are pruning for “Aesthetic Thinning” to let more light into your yard, doing so in late spring after the leaves have fully emerged is also acceptable.
Pruning is a surgical, planned removal of branches to improve the tree’s health. “Topping” is the harmful practice of cutting off the top of the main trunk or large limbs at a random point. Topping is against all industry standards because it creates large wounds that cannot heal, leading to decay. It also triggers the growth of “Water Sprouts,” which are weak, vertical limbs that are highly prone to breaking in the wind. We recommend “Crown Reduction” instead, which manages the height while keeping the tree’s natural structure intact.
A certified arborist has the specialized education to understand tree biology and the physics of tree weight. While a landscaper is great for lawn care, they may not have the rigging equipment or safety training required to remove large limbs over a roof. Certified professionals follow the “ANSI A300” standards for tree care, which ensures that every cut made is beneficial to the tree’s long-term survival rather than just a quick fix.
A professional checkup every two to three years is a good rule of thumb for mature trees. However, if you have recently had heavy construction near your trees, or if your area has experienced an extreme drought or a severe ice storm, you should call an arborist for a “Level 2 Basic Assessment.” Trees can take a year or two to show signs of damage from root crushing or environmental stress, so early detection is key to saving them.
In a forest, trees are naturally fed by decomposing leaves. In our yards, we rake leaves away, which removes those nutrients. Deep root fertilization involves using a high-pressure probe to inject a specialized liquid nutrient mix 8 to 12 inches into the soil. This not only feeds the tree but also “aerates” the soil, breaking up compaction so the roots can get more oxygen. This is highly recommended for trees in high-traffic areas or those showing “Chlorosis,” which is a yellowing of the leaves.
Many storm-damaged trees can be restored if the “Leader” (the main upward trunk) is still healthy. We often use “Structural Pruning” to clean up jagged breaks so the tree can heal properly. We might also suggest “Cabling and Bracing,” which involves installing flexible steel cables between heavy limbs to provide extra support. If the trunk is split vertically or more than half of the branches are gone, the tree may be too weak to save, but a professional assessment can give you a definitive answer.
